Backache

Ayurvedic understanding of the cause of backache:

It is often caused due to excess Vata.

Recommendations:

• Take 1 tablet of either yogaraj guggulu or kaishore guggulu twice or thrice a day.
• Take ¼ to ½ tsp of musta powder twice or thrice a day with warm water. Musta is a muscle painkiller.
• Take ½ tsp of either tagara or valerian with warm water. This will help by relaxing the muscles.
• Rub the painful area with mahanarayan oil. Rubbing the oil is sufficient for people with Vata and Pitta body type. For Kapha body type, proper massage should be done. After the application of the oil, soaking in a bathtub with hot water, ⅓ rd cup of baking soda and ⅓ rd cup of ginger powder twice or thrice a week will be even more healing.
• A paste made of ginger powder with water can be applied to the affected area. After 10-15 minutes, it should be washed off and some eucalyptus oil should be applied.
• In case one is also suffering from constipation, enema can be done.

Recommendations regarding things to be avoided:

• Avoid Vata-aggravating foods.
• Avoid exposure to cold weather.
• Avoid wearing high-healed shoes.
• Do not do any strenuous exercises such as jogging, jumping etc.
• Minimize sexual activity.

Yoga exercises recommended:

The following poses are useful both as preventive and curative measures for back ache.

• Camel Pose
• Lotus Pose
• Cow Pose
• Forward Bend
• Spinal Twist
• Palm Tree Pose
• Locust Pose
• Gentle version of Fish Pose

References:

Primary Reference: The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Vasant D Lad - Part 3